Critics vs. The Audience

Poster Children for the Dangers of Roofies.

The Hangover Part II has officially opened. Was it Wednesday at midnight? Last night? All I know was that as soon as I flipped on the radio today, people were talking about it. I went to a movie a couple of weeks ago and the theater was advertising tickets for opening night. Reserve your seats now. I don’t remember ever seeing that for a comedy. Especially an R-rated one, but The Hangover II is easily the most anticipated movie of the year for most adults. I think it epitomizes the glaring differences between a critically well received film and a successful film.

I am wary of this movie. I feel like it is going to be the exact same thing as the first one, but that doesn’t mean I won’t laugh at it again. The floor of my comedy threshold can swing very low. Sometimes you just find yourself laughing at anything. The gentlemen who called the radio station to talk about the movie said the mere presence of Zach Galifianakis’s name on the screen during the opening credits sent the audience into uproarious laughter. Critics can’t get the pulse of something like that. People want to laugh at this movie. Currently on Rotten Tomatoes it rates at 94% audience approval (which is very high). The critics almost universally slam it, only 33% approval.

Of course, the people who made the movie do not care if the critics like this movie. It is a force of nature. They will tell the critics to go get familiar with themselves. The audience is all that matters and from early reviews it looks like the blockbuster that everyone predicted it will be. I suppose that critics still play a role in creating buzz for less mainstream fare, but their profession could very well become obsolete. After all, anyone can be a critic. I’m not a big fan of telling people what to do or like and I certainly don’t respond well to people trying to put those ideas onto me, but I’m all for hearing an opinion, or a recommendation. It doesn’t have to be from a “pro,” though.

Anyway, if people out there see the movie this weekend, I’d love to hear a general thumbs up/thumbs down about it. I’m sure I’ll see it eventually anyway, but a good head’s up is always nice. Just remember to get there early. Second hardest ticket to get in town after the Phillies.

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It’s going to be a one-post, get ready for the long weekend Friday. I’m jamming everything into this bad boy. Deal with it. I think I’ve waxed about the great American tradition known as the 3-day weekend enough times before on this site. Including a tribute to how people have taken the initiative and basically created a 3.5 to 4 day weekend out of it. That’s just good hustle. I hope everyone has a good holiday. I’ll be out on the island. What island? That’s a secret, my friends. To keep you sated until Monday or Tuesday…

Phenom Watch: Anyone remember last year when teenage Jordan Spieth had a nice finish at the Byron Nelson Classic? I didn’t think so. Well, the amateur is back this year and is currently t-25 after 26 holes of action. Looks like it could be another nice showing for a kid whose main focus is making the U.S. Walker Cup Team. Not a great field, but noted major championship buckler, Dustin Johnson, is in contention. DJ has recently enlisted the help of Fred’s former caddy, Joe LaCava. Fred’s back, and limited schedule no longer justify one of the best toting his clubs around, and Johnson becomes the beneficiary. Expect fewer rules violations.

Phenom Watch Part 2: Bryce Harper has cooled moderately at Hagerstown, just wanted to point out a little comedy for the real baseball fans out there. At Hagerstown his manager is Brian Daubach. His hitting coach is Marlon Anderson. I’m not going to explain. You’re either laughing, or you aren’t.

The Mets sold 50% of their Debt: Einhorn is Finkel, Finkel is Einhorn. If I had 200 million would I spend it on the Mets? No, no I would not. Phillies get the Mets this weekend. Jose Reyes is trying to see if he can get moved, but the Mets starting pitching is still a disgrace. Warm temps and some more runs? Hopefully.

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MLB Unders “the hot streak” Day 4.

Two games to choose from. One goes over. One goes under. Did I get the right game? Oh, you bet your sweet ass, I did. The White Sox look like they should be scoring some runs, but they don’t. It’s an odd year. Albert Pujols just went 100 At-bats without a homer. Weird. Someone put a hold on that 10-yr, 300 million dollar deal. The win pushed me to a gaudy 3-1. If you are wondering if your record can be gaudy after four games, I’m here to tell you that it can.

Today’s selection: San Francisco vs. Milwaukee Under 6.5

What’s that in the barrel? Oh right, fish.

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Quiz of the Day (hardcore sports edition): Team RBI Leaders 2000s. Category: Did we do this one before? My score: 26/30.

That’s it. What a generous post. If there was a picture of a naked chick or two on here, it’d really be one-stop internet shopping. Everyone enjoy the weekend, their BBQs, etc. I’ll see you Monday, maybe Tuesday, you know, whenever the mood strikes.

Hot streaking the under! When I initially suggested it, I was thinking of betting the under on all games across the board. This could still be a viable theory, but I like what you’re doing picking one game a day. 4-1 would be a nice way to start the holiday weekend.

The guy just lost it. I can’t imagine what that compares to. The first thing that comes to mind is the guy for the Cowboys who dropped a pass in the endzone and the announcers said something about him being the sickest man in America.

There’s Van de Velde too. I guess that’s better since it he too had a big lead and was on the “last turn” of his race.